Margaret Elizabeth (Smiskey) Bjornton, 96, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully late Sunday night, January 6, 2013, at Sacred Heart Hospital. Margaret Elizabeth, daughter of Mary and Robert Smiskey, was born on July 10, 1916, in Eau Claire, WI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid H. Bjornton; daughter, Marilyn Specht; grandson, Andrew Specht; parents, Mary and Robert; brothers, Robert and Donald; and sisters, Eleanore, MaryAnn, and Marcella. Margaret's legacy lives on through her three sons, Arvid John (Randy), Thomas Peter (Peggy), and Robert Charles (Jean). She also had wonderful grandchildren, Anthony, Wendy, Jacqueline, Nicole, Matthew, and Elizabeth. Her 10 great-grandchildren were blessed to know such a wonderful woman, Lauren, Danaka, Quincy, Maxwell, Samuel, Carter, Charlotte, Robert, Anneli, and Elizabeth. She is also survived by the rest of the Smiskey and Bjornton families, among many other close friends that she held very dear. She and Arvid built their home on Rudolph Road from the ground up together with family members. There they raised their four children who enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and traveling by RV across North America for many years. She enjoyed friends and family - always ready to pack up and go. She spent over 40 years volunteering at Dove Healthcare where she ended up her last months - she was ready to change her address - joining her family in heaven. Margaret was a devoted Catholic who attended Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Sundays until her body could not drive her any longer (just last spring). Meeting her girlfriends (bridge partners) after Mass was a highlight of her week. She took care of those who were always in need; her mother Mary in her home and in the nursing home for years in Durand, her Aunt Netta (Antoinette Farr) who lived to be 103, and her sister Eleanore Mary Wensel whom she became closer to while living independently at the St. Francis Apartments for over 10 years. Strong in character, Margaret endured and set an example of what a strong woman really is! After a miscarriage over 60 years ago - she began her daily ritual of saying the rosary every night before she went to sleep. Her years of living gave us all joy, laughter, and strength - her squeeze box remains our childhood memory. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave., with Fr. Eugene Klink officiating. Visitation will also be one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery 4100 S Hastings Way Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, January 11 2013 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Rosary Service

Friday, January 11 2013 6:30 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Saturday, January 12 2013 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, January 12 2013 10:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701